by Ryan Goodwin

St Mirren host Kirkcaldy-based side, Raith Rovers, in the first Ladbrokes Championship game of the year in the Paisley 2021 Stadium.

Hoping to end their curse in the home stadium – having not won a league game in Paisley all season – the Buddies will look to continue their improvement in results under new manager, Alex Rae. Their opposition will be no easy victory however, as the Rovers are further challenging for playoff positions in the Scottish Championship.

Raith haven’t won a game since playing Morton way before Christmas, and have lost the past three games. However, even in doing so, they have still managed to cling on to the playoff spot in 4th place ahead of Queen of the South and Morton. With their last loss also coming against Alloa – a team sitting rock bottom in the league – St Mirren may fancy their chances to end their home drought.

With nine goals between them this season though, Mark Stewart and James Craigen could be dangerous against the Buddies’ defence. Being the top scorers for Raith this year, they could be the partnership to destroy St Mirren’s hopes of ending their streak.

The Buddies however will be boosted by the recent results under Alex Rae, having doubled their league win tally since he took over. Lawrence Shankland has been pivotal in this run and may look to test the Raith defence.

St Mirren’s hopes of a strong finish have only just begun under a new manager, and to end their run against a good side with a strong league position – on a current poor run of form – could be the time to kickstart that.